As a boy living in...
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As a boy living in the country, Sonny thought his grandfather was some kind of wizard. At the strangest times his grandfather would perk up and say, "There's an emergency coming." Always within a few minutes either an ambulance, fire truck, or sheriff's car would scream by the house.
When Sonny grew up and became a pastor he shared with the congregation his grandfather's secret: When he heard the neighbor's dog howl, soon humans also would be able to hear the approaching siren.
Likewise, God's Old Testament prophets were attuned to hear the approach of God's "alarm." Their service to the Hebrews prepared them for emergencies ahead. Ash Wednesday and Lent are an alarm from God and a promise of God's support that prepares Christians not only for a season, but for the strenuous following of Jesus through all things.
When Sonny grew up and became a pastor he shared with the congregation his grandfather's secret: When he heard the neighbor's dog howl, soon humans also would be able to hear the approaching siren.
Likewise, God's Old Testament prophets were attuned to hear the approach of God's "alarm." Their service to the Hebrews prepared them for emergencies ahead. Ash Wednesday and Lent are an alarm from God and a promise of God's support that prepares Christians not only for a season, but for the strenuous following of Jesus through all things.
